Last hurrah for Louie

The goal is to raise at least P12 Million to fund Luisito Espinosa’s bid for a third world championship and unless the money’s in the bag, the Dec. 19 Luneta fight against International Boxing Organization (IBO) superfeatherweight titleholder Cassius Baloyi of South Africa is in jeopardy.

That’s the warning from Hermie Rivera whose son Noel manages Espinosa.

But Rivera told The Star yesterday he’s optimistic sponsors will heed the call of destiny. If Espinosa dethrones Bayoli, he will become Asia’s first-ever fighter to capture world titles in three different divisions.

Rivera said Manila Mayor Lito Atienza was the first to throw support for Espinosa’s ambitious bid. Atienza committed to provide the venue for the historic duel, free of charge. Luneta–where Espinosa repulsed Cesar Soto in 1996 and Manuel Medina in 1997–was the site offered by Atienza.

Espinosa, 36, is now training for the biggest fight of his 19-year career in Daly City where he lives with wife Mariecherie and their two children. He is dedicating his "last hurrah" to his third child–his wife is scheduled to give birth on Nov. 15.

"I feel a third world title is realistic," said Espinosa, quoted by writer Jack Dunne. "I’ve taken care of my health and I have God and my family to thank for that. It’s been a long time since I’ve been home. I feel there is something lacking in my career–I need to be again recognized (by my countrymen)."

In another interview, Espinosa told writer Fiona Manning that "it would be an honor to once again fight in front of my countrymen–boxing has given me the opportunity to represent my country with pride (and) I am determined to win my third world championship."

Espinosa wrested the World Boxing Association bantamweight crown from Khaokor Galaxy on a first round knockout in Bangkok in 1989. He lost it two years later in his third defense. Espinosa won the World Boxing Council featherweight title on a unanimous 12-round decision over Medina in Tokyo in 1995 and yielded it to Soto in his eighth defense in El Paso four years later.

Espinosa is coming off a first round stoppage of Marco Angel Perez in Oakland last March. His record is 47-11, with 26 KOs.

Baloyi, 29, is guaranteed $75,000 for his second title defense. The 5-11 South African southpaw is arriving with three companions and was assured of two options in case he loses to Espinosa. The first option stipulates a $50,000 purse for Espinosa against a choice opponent in a non-title fight and the second carries a $75,000 tag for a rematch.

IBO president Ed Levine has sanctioned the title fight and assigned Angeles City resident Bruce McTavish as referee. Levine is expected to witness the fight at ringside as the IBO supervisor.

Rivera said Espinosa has quit his job in a bar to concentrate on getting in shape for Baloyi. "Louie now weighs 138 pounds, eight over the superfeatherweight limit," added Rivera. "His trainer Dee Pooler thinks making 130 is no problem."

If Espinosa beats Baloyi, Rivera said he will consider retiring. It will be the ultimate curtain call although if the price is right and the adrenalin is still pumping, Espinosa may decide to make a few defenses before hanging up his gloves.

Baloyi, a former amateur standout, won the vacant IBO crown via a sixth round demolition of Filipino Tiger Ari in Brakpan in April last year. Hehalted Mbulelo Botile in his first defense six months later. It will be over a year since Baloyi’s last bout when he battles Espinosa.

Baloyi totes a 28-1 record, with 16 KOs. His only loss was to Philip N’dou on points two years ago. He is a former World Boxing Union superbantamweight and featherweight champion. Nicknamed "Mr. Shy